Hanover YMCA works to stop spread of virus among children

HANOVER – Officials at the South Shore YMCA’s Emilson Branch in Hanover have stepped up sanitation measures following cases of hand, foot and mouth disease among children.

In an email Monday to members, the Y said the increase in sanitation measures has taken place over the “the last few weeks.” The measures in the playroom, such as disinfectant use, were increased in an effort to stop the virus from spreading, according to the email.

“However, the use of disinfectants has not been entirely successful in keeping the virus out of the Playroom,” the email said. “As a result, we have begun using bleach and water on all surfaces, toys and equipment, as well as washing all plush toys with bleach, in accordance with the requests of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.”

Phone calls to the Y for further comment were not returned Monday.

The disease, also known as Coxsackie virus, is a common viral illness that usually affects children under 5 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is moderately contagious and is spread by sharing eating and drinking utensils, and through coughing and sneezing.

The symptoms are a fever, sore throat and reduced appetite. Red spots can develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Painful mouth sores can develop a day or two later.

The CDC said the virus is usually not serious, and most who get it recover in 7 to 10 days. Complications are rare.

Anthony Marino, Hanover’s director of community services, said the town’s public health nurse went to the Y last week to instruct officials on how prevent the spread of the virus.

“We’ve informed them on what to do,” Marino said.

In addition to sanitation measures, he said children showing signs of illness must be sent home.

He classified the number of cases as “a few.”

Sarah Darcy, a spokeswoman for South Shore Hospital, said the hospital has not seen an increase in patients with the Coxsackie virus.